Why we need stronger whistleblower protections
Whistleblowers play a vital role in our democracy by standing up for truth and accountability. Unfortunately, Australia’s weak laws mean that whistleblowers face punishment and reprisals when they speak up.
In recent years we have seen several high-profile whistleblower prosecutions. David McBride is presently serving a five year and eight months’ prison sentence for leaking documents to the ABC, which sparked the landmark Afghan Files reporting on war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan.
Richard Boyle, who exposed wrongdoing at the tax office, remains on trial. He lost an appeal about the scope of whistleblower protections, and late last year the High Court refused to hear his case; he will go on trial in November.
In March, Associate Legal Director, Kieran Pender was at the ACT Court of Appeal to observe McBride’s appeal – he is challenging his conviction, and the severity of his sentence.
When whistleblowers are silenced, wrongdoing, misconduct and corruption remains hidden.
This is why the Human Rights Law Centre advocates for stronger whistleblower protections.
In February, we took a major step towards securing this change, when the Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill was introduced to Federal Parliament by crossbench MPs and Senators.
The Bill would establish a body to oversee and enforce whistleblower protections, facilitate whistleblower disclosures, and safeguard whistleblowers who expose corruption and wrongdoing.
In recent years, too many Australian whistleblowers have lost their jobs, faced lawsuits or even been prosecuted for speaking up in the public interest. This Bill is a pivotal opportunity for the Albanese Government to address these failings and ensure comprehensive support for whistleblowers.
The Human Rights Law Centre’s Whistleblower Project is Australia’s first dedicated legal service to protect and empower whistleblowers. We provide legal advice and representation to whistleblowers, as well as advocating for stronger legal protections and an end to the prosecution of whistleblowers.
What issue unites Coalition, Labor, Green, teal and One Nation voters? Whistleblower protections
The Albanese Government’s persecution of whistleblowers Richard Boyle and David McBride is unjust, and the public doesn’t support it. It’s time for much-needed reform.
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We’re fighting Tasmania’s parole board gag on free speech
We have filed legal proceedings on behalf of Tasmanian grandmother, Susan Neill-Fraser. Her case challenges a restrictive parole condition placed on her by the Parole Board of Tasmania which limits her ability to speak to the media.
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Universities must stop restricting protests and surveilling staff and students
The Human Rights Law Centre is urging the University of Melbourne to abandon new policy changes that severely restrict protest rights and allow widespread surveillance of students and staff through the universities’ wifi network.
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Human Rights Law Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, including the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Cammeraygal, Darug, Wadawurrung, Turrbal and Jagera people where we work from.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present. This land always was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
WARNING: This site contains images or names of people who have passed away.